Volume 01 | April, 24, 2021

September 2024 NEWSLETTER

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Sierra Pacific Great Pyrenees Club, Inc.

President's Message.


SPGPC is navigating a pivotal moment of recovery and resilience. We have been working hard and are currently in the process of rebooting the Club after facing significant challenges during and after COVID-19. The past two years have been particularly difficult, as we shifted into survival mode—focusing on raising funds, rescuing dogs, and addressing the Club’s immediate needs. Despite these obstacles, we have also been planning and preparing for our upcoming Regional Specialties from May 15-18, 2025, at the Stanislaus County Fairgrounds in Turlock. While the transition has been tough, we are emerging stronger, more resilient, and more determined than ever. Click the link for the SPGPC Membership Directory.


Club Officers/Elections and Volunteer Opportunities

We will be announcing our new Club officers soon. There are a few vacancies to fill. f you're interested in serving on the board, we have a variety of positions and committees available, which you can volunteer for to help the Club. You don’t need to be an expert—just have a willingness to help and participate. Please let me know if you'd like to fill a seat on the board or help out with one of the committees.


Speaking of volunteering, we have the most amazing group of volunteers! Whether it’s stepping up for events, dog shows, workdays, grooming, or maintaining the kennel and grounds, you all make a huge difference. From daily dog walks and grooming to helping with puppies and off-site adoption events, your commitment is extraordinary. If you'd like more details about volunteering, click the link here. To all our volunteers—you are the heart of our Club, and I cannot thank you enough for your dedication and support.

Directions & Parking


From the South Bay: Take Highway 101 North to Highway 80 East. Exit at 4th Street. Stay left onto Bryant Street (get in right lane). Stay on Bryant Street to The Embarcadero. Turn left onto The Embarcadero (get into right lane). Straight to PIER 39 (2 1/2 miles).


From the North Bay Take Highway 101 South across the Golden Gate Bridge Pass through the Toll Plaza and stay to your left. Take Lombard Street Exit (on right side) Follow Lombard Street to Van Ness Avenue.Take a left onto Van Ness Avenue (stay right). Follow Van Ness Avenue to Bay Street (about three blocks). Turn right onto Bay Street and follow it until it runs into The Embarcadero. Turn left onto The Embarcadero.

You will see PIER 39 on right side of the street.


Parking Services


The entrance to PIER 39 features a passenger and taxi loading zone. PIER 39 has

convenient visitor parking in the PIER 39 Garage, located directly across the street from the Entrance Plaza.


The PIER 39 Garage is open 24-hours a day, seven days a week.


Restaurant patrons who dine at one of PIER 39's full-service restaurants receive one hour free validated parking at lunch and two hours free validated parking after 6 pm for dinner.

The PIER 39 Garage clearance is 6 ft. 8 inches high.

SPGPC Regional Specialties ~ May 15-18, 2025


We are hosting our four Regional Specialties with one on Thursday, May 15th in the morning and then another late afternoon at 5:00pm. Themed show beginning at 5:00pm. The Theme is "Boots & Bling Pyrenees Bonanza". Then Friday, May 16th there will be a morning show and at 5:00pm we'll have our banquet and auction. On Saturday, May 17th, is the concurrent Specialty with Coyote Hills KC and then Coyote Hills has a Pyr entry Sat afternoon and again on Sunday May 18th, 2025.


You don't have to have a show dog to participate! If you have an adopted rescue dog, PLEASE enter your rescue dog in this event on Friday, May 16th and at 4:30pm. We have a special event just for rescues call the "Parade of Rescues". There will be more information in the Premium list some time in late February/March 2025. Just save the dates on your calendar for now. It costs you nothing to enter and you'll get to "Show-Off" your dog and receive a red, white and blue rosette and an award presented by SPGPC rescue.



RESCUE DOGS WAITING FOR NEW HOME.

We currently have several wonderful dogs in our rescue program who are looking for their forever homes. If you’d like to browse through some of our available dogs, click the link below. You can also make arrangements to visit us and meet them in person—we promise you won’t be disappointed!


https://www.adoptapet.com/shelter90868-dogs.html

THE URGENT NEED FOR RESPONSIBLE PET OWNERSHIP

I'm writing to address an urgent and deeply concerning issue: the increasing number of dogs being abandoned and discarded. It's heart wrenching to witness these loyal animals suffering simply because their owners have made poor decisions or failed to take responsibility.

Shelters and rescues are not and should not be seen as mere "dumping grounds." While they play a vital role in caring for animals in need, they are overwhelmed and often forced to make difficult decisions due to the sheer volume of neglected and abandoned pets. Every week, we received over 40 calls from people seeking to surrender their dogs--an alarming number that reflects a troubling trend.

It's particularly disturbing to see individuals who, in their moment of need, choose to breed dogs irresponsibly and then sell them without regard for the long-term consequences. This practice floods the market with more dogs than there are home, exacerbating an already dire situation. If you're looking to make a quick profit, consider finding a legitimate job rather than contributing to this cycle of overpopulation and suffering.

Furthermore, buying dogs from less-than-reputable breeders only perpetuates the problem. Reputable breeders are committed to the well-being of their animals. They breed responsibly, ensuring their dogs are well-cared-for, health-tested, and that any puppies produced are placed in loving, permanent home. They are also willing to take dogs back if necessary, which is a mark of their dedication. If you're considering acquiring a dog, seek out these ethical breeders who prioritize the health and happiness of their animals over profit.

The current situation has been exacerbated by a combination of factors, including the inflated costs of veterinary care and shifting advice on pet health, such as recommendations against early spaying and neutering. This has led to more unwanted litters and greater financial strain on those trying to do the right thing.

Additionally, I urge you to consider the true cost of adopting a dog. Adoption fees may seem high, but they often cover comprehensive care that includes spaying/neutering, vaccinations, microchipping, and more. This is a significant savings compared to the cost of these services when obtained individually from a vet. Adoption not only saves one life by providing a home for a deserving animal but, it also creates space for another pet in need.

Lastly, I implore you to remember that your dog's loyalty and love are unmatched. They depend on us for not only their basic needs, but for our commitment and responsibility to them. The consequences of neglect and irresponsibility are severe, and we must all play a part in preventing this.

Thank you for taking the time to ready this. Together, we can make a difference and ensure a better future for our furry friends. If you have considered helping out in rescue see the attached volunteer flyer and make a difference in the life of a homeless pet.



MEMBERSHIP DUES:

Just a friendly reminder—if you haven’t yet renewed your annual club membership, please do so using the form provided. If you’ve already renewed your membership or adopted a dog in 2024, then you're all set! Thank you so much for your continued support.

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Calendar of Events 2024/2025

Tentative Schedule


September, 21, 2024 ~ Pet Blessing & Festival, Auburn, CA

Sept. 22, 2024 ~ Sausalito Blue & Gold Boat Trip & Lunch ~ Fisherman's Wharf, S.F.


October 26, 2024 ~ Howl'O'Ween Party


December 14, 2024~ Santa Parade, Downtown Sacramento


May 1, 2025 ~ Big Day of Giving ~ Online

May 15-18, 2025 ~ SPGPC Regional Specialties (4), Turlock, CA

Monthly Board MeetingsTBD via Zoom

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